Poached Salmon Salad Nicoise at Izzy's

Hot, humid weather can take its toll on even the most exuberant appetites. If you've been off your feed lately, lighten up with the flavors found at these restaurants, specializing in summer-style fare.

Cafe Bossa Nova, 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock -- lunch and dinner with a saucy Brazilian accent such as Peito de Frango Grelhado (pan seared chicken breast with black beans, rice vinaigrette and sauteed collard greens), Vegetais Recheados (stuffed zucchini with hearts of palm, olives, red pepper and fresh herbs) and Delicia Tropical (stuffed tilapia with bananas baked in a sherry tomato and fresh herb sauce). 

Cafe @ Heifer at Heifer International, 1 World Way, Little Rock (south of the Clinton Presidential Center) -- breakfast and lunch featuring salads, sandwiches (my favorite is grilled cheese with your choice of provolone, Swiss or Cheddar, served with salad or the side of the day) pizzas (pepperoni, barbecue chicken or Margarita) and satisfying soups made with local ingredients when possible.

Izzy's, 14710 Cantrell Road, Little Rock -- lunch and dinner with poached salmon salad Nicoise, strawberry spinach salad, vegan and gluten-free menus, lite plates (grilled chicken breast, poached salmon, burger pattie with a choice of vegetable medley, twice baked potato or side salad), half and whole pasta servings, beef or veggie hot tamales and brick oven pizza, all made fresh daily.

Lilly's Dim Sum Then Some -- lunch and dinner (dim sum, salads, soups, noodle bowls, vegetarian bowls, rice bowls and house specialties such as panko crusted tilapia, Asian crab cakes, spicy Thai curry with fresh basil and mango salsa and grilled shrimp) made with fresh ingredients (locally grown and organic when possible) and no MSG.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, with locations in Little Rock, North Little Rock and Jacksonville including the River Market, 400 President Clinton Ave., and 10221 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock -- all-day menu features refreshing real fruit smoothies, low-fat wraps (try the buffalo chicken), sandwiches (Wasabi roast beef on toasted ciabatta!), salads and flatbreads. The Rodney Parham location is open 24/7.